Neurology visit starts with detailed history taking, exploring the current and past complaint, medical and family history. Previous results are reviewed.
The examination itself starts with:
- Gait and balance analysis (walking), coordination tests.
- Cranial nerves are examined, than tendon reflexes, as well as abnormal reflexes.
- Muscle power and tone, sensory system are also checked.
The examination is painless, lasting for approximately 15 minutes. Following the exam you will discuss with the doctors findings and make decisions about further diagnostic tests and treatment plan.
First visit lasts for 45-60 minutes, with follow-up visits taking roughly a half an hour.
Routine neurological examination can be completed with nerve conduction study (NCS), electromyography (EMG) or repetitive nerve conduction (RNS) test.
- NCS is performed with superficial stimulating and recording electrodes in order to stimulate the sensory and motor nerves (e.g. in case of nerve entrapment syndromes like carpal tunnel or cubital tunnel syndrome).
- EMG is performed with a fine needle electrode in order to examine the muscle’s activity directly from the muscles.
- RNS is similar to NCS but uses several electrical impulses in order to test the neuromuscular junction, the connection between nerves and muscle (e.g. in case of Myasthenia gravis)